3-4 Year Old Classes
In these 3-day programs, emphasis is placed on separation and socialization while the children are engaged in enriching activities. A large portion of each day is devoted to play experiences where children learn to share, take turns and cooperate with others. Children's natural curiosity and love of learning are developed as they explore the school environment and engage in classroom activities such as language and literacy, math, art, science, dramatic play, listening center, blocks and weekly Sign Language class.
Activities that extend beyond the classroom include the use of three indoor gym spaces, our yoga class, visits to our extensive Carol Nursery School library and working in the Debra Ann November Learning Garden. Experts from the Shaker Nature Center and Public Library visit the classroom throughout the school year to continue to expand the children’s knowledge of the world around them.
Click here to read more about our curriculum
for the 3-4 year old classes
- Child must be 3 years old by Sept. 30 of the current school year.
- Ratio: 2 Teachers/12 Children
- Morning Sessions: M, T, W 9:00-12:00 p.m.
Pre-Kindergarten Classes
In our Pre-kindergarten programs, emphasis is placed on the important social and academic skills needed to prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten. A large portion of each day is devoted to play experiences, inside and out, where children use their natural curiosity and love of learning to explore and create.
Activities in the classroom include language and literacy, math, art, science, cooking, social science, computer and Sign Language class. Activities that extend beyond the classroom include yoga class and off campus field trips. The children also have opportunities to use three indoor gym spaces, a music room, and the extensive Carol Nursery School library. Weather permitting; children explore our expansive outdoor space that includes two playgrounds as well as the Debra Ann November Learning Garden.
Click here to read more about our curriculum
for the Pre-K classes
- Child must be 4 years old by Sept. 30 of the current school year.
- Ratio: 2 Teachers/15 Children
- Morning Sessions: M, W 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (lunch days) & T, Th, F 9:00-12:00 p.m.
Mixed Age Class
Our mixed-age classroom provides a learning environment to a group of children of varied ages and abilities. This combination provides opportunities for the children to learn and grow with one another by creating a leader and learner environment.
While engaged in a varied and stimulating environment, the children learn to work together with children not only of the same age, but also with those either older or younger than themselves. Older children will be models for the classroom, developing leadership skills, while younger children will develop more complete language and types of play.
Our older children attend school for a slightly longer day, and one additional day each week. This provides additional opportunities for these older children to concentrate on the academic skills needed to prepare them for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Click here to read more about our curriculum
for the Mixed Age class
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- Child must be either 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30 of the current school year.
- Ratio: Max. 2 Teachers/12 Children
- Morning Sessions: M, W 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (lunch days) & T, Th, F 9:00-12:00 p.m.
Young 5s Class
This class was developed for children turning 5 in the summer and early fall months who are eligible for kindergarten. The Young 5 class offers these older preschoolers an enhanced school curriculum. Socially and cognitively this age child is often ready for more involved cooperative play experiences, more in-depth study of concepts and higher level thinking challenges.
In addition to our rich daily curriculum, children are offered a longer day and more curriculum-based field trip experiences.
Click here to read more about our curriculum
for the Young 5s class
- Designed for children turning 5 years old in the summer and early fall and who are eligible for kindergarten
- Ratio: 2 Teachers/14 Children
- Session: M, T, W and F 9:00-12:30 p.m. (lunch days) & TH 9:00-12:00 p.m.
Fall Moving On Up Class
This class offers a gradual and comfortable separation for children and parents. The class begins in September as a shared experience for parent and child one day each week. Parents gradually separate out of the room into a parent education class. Experts on child development are brought to the Center to facilitate discussions on child development. In January, children begin attending school two days each week and parents fully separate out of the building setting. At this point, children are ready to say good-bye to parents and fully engage in the classroom experience.
Our goal is to provide a first school experience that supports both the child and parent in this important time of development.
Click here to read more about our curriculum
for the Fall Moving On Up class
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- Child must be turning 3 years old between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 of the current school year.
- Ratio: Max. 2 Teachers/12 Children
- Sept- Dec Session: TH or F 9:45-11:45 a.m.
- Jan-May Session: TH and F 9:15-11:45 a.m.
Winter Moving On Up Class
This class meets one day a week starting in January as a shared preschool experience for parents and children. Gradually parents separate out of the classroom into a parent education class. Experts on child development are brought into the Center to facilitate discussions on child development. While parents are in “adult school” across the hall, the children are developing play skills with teachers and peers in their classroom.
Our goal is to provide a first school experience that supports both the child and parent in this important time of development.
Click here to read more about our curriculum
for the Winter Moving On Up class
- Child must be turning 3 years old between Jan 1 and Sept. 30 of the following school year.
- Ratio: Max. 2 Teachers/10 Children
- Jan-May Session: TH or F 9:30-11:30 a.m.